28 Oct 2011

Schumacher confident of safety in F1

12:32 pm on 28 October 2011

The Formula One great Michael Schumacher says the two deaths which have stunned motorsports were "fate", as he backed safety standards at the new Indian Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion says drivers would race at full pelt this weekend despite the IndyCar and MotoGP tragedies, and even though the drivers' and constructors' titles had already been won.

This month's deaths of British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon and MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli have cast a sombre tone over preparations for India's first Grand Prix at the purpose-built Buddh International Circuit.

But Schumacher says despite dust coating, the challenging layout near New Delhi and top speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour, the course's in-built safety features should keep drivers secure.